Archives for 2013

For centuries, the Jews had awaited the day when Messiah would come. They talked about it, groaned for it and prayed diligently to see that day come. False messiahs rose up and led many astray to destruction. But finally, the Christ came. Just as the prophet Zechariah had foretold, he came riding in on a donkey, a humble beast of burden. “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” Matthew 21:5 (citing Zechariah 9:9) And Jerusalem exploded with excitement. They knew the stories of this … [Read more...] about The Problem with Jesus

Joel Rainey blogs at Themelios. He is the Executive Director of the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association. I spent this morning with a colleague working on the contours of a potential Doctor of Ministry program for Maryland pastors, and among other things, we discussed the future of pastoral ministry.  For a few semesters, I've had the honor of teaching Pastoral Theology at a local seminary,and one of the units we cover relates to the task of leadership in emerging culture.  As an introduction to this unit, I give the students a description of what the world will look like in the not-too-distant … [Read more...] about The Future of Pastoral Ministry: Are we Really Up to This? (by Joel Rainey)

In recent days the Discovery Channel has honed in on a few of the worlds most dangerous jobs; namely loggers and deep sea fishermen. These jobs are arduous and hazardous. According to Paul Tripp one other “job” that ought to be put on the list is pastoral ministry. In his book, Dangerous Calling, Tripp highlights the unique challenges of pastoral ministry. Tripp believes that “there are many pastors who have inserted themselves into a spiritual category that doesn’t exist” (23). This false spiritual category is confirmed and strengthened by the pastoral culture in which pastors live. … [Read more...] about Review of “Dangerous Calling”

Just for fun, I started an ESPN "SBC Voices" group. If you want to play, follow the links below and demonstrate your supreme and superior knowledge on these things. I never do that well on such things. I choose with my heart, not my head. I don't pick UNC, Duke or SEC teams even when I should. It's a matter of conscience. I pick Big 10 teams as often as possible! So, if you want to get in the action, follow the links below. On your computer,  Here is the link to the group If you are on a mobile device, Go here The group name is: SBCVoicesBB. I chose a unique and secure … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices NCAA Tourney Bracket Challenge

Bill Gernenz blogs at Broken and Undone.  Principle #4:  Faithful Biblical Application is Redemptive If God-centered, exegetically-based, faith-building application is going to prove genuinely biblical, it must be presented in a thoroughly gospel context.  Therefore, the final principle of sound biblical application is that biblical application must be redemptive.  In the midst of all applying, knowing, and striving the preacher must firmly tether his teaching and his audience to the cross.  The work of Christ in securing, revealing, and preserving salvation for his people cannot be … [Read more...] about Making Biblical Application – Principle 4 (by Bill Gernenz)

Andy Hynes is a PhD candidate at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow him @ABHYNES on Twitter. While my family and I were standing in line for the Jack Sparrow ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a couple of teenagers in front of us turned around and asked me that question.  I responded with the typical, “Well Catholics can be Christians, but they are not synonymous.”  Later as I was pondering my response, I became concerned about what I said.  Linking the possibility of being a Christian to the Catholic Church may not have been the best idea.  Maybe I am the only one who has said … [Read more...] about Are Catholics and Christians the Same? (by Andy Hynes)

Before I answer that question I have to confess that the title might be a little misleading. It is not as if I had ten to twelve different publishers knocking on my door begging me to publish with them. But Cruciform was the only place that I submitted my work to. I did not pursue publication with anyone else. The simplest answer to why I am being published by Cruciform is that they were crazy enough to take a chance on me. There is however, a much bigger answer to that question and I want to share it with you today. Here are six reasons why I decided to pursue being published by … [Read more...] about Why I Decided to Publish With Cruciform Press

My first book, Torn to Heal, is releasing on May 1st. We need your help designing the cover. Our design team has narrowed their options down to these 11: Which do you like the best? You can read a sample chapter here: Torn to Heal Chapter One. After reading that chapter which cover do you feel best captures the books intention? Go here and vote!! … [Read more...] about Help Select Torn to Heal’s Book Cover

So, you believe in the need for church discipline, ehh?  How strong is your belief? __________________________ Hey William - Will - come on in.  I think you know everyone.  We're having to meet in the library tonight.  The preacher, over on your left, offered us the use of his office, but there just weren't enough chairs. Coffee?  No? Well....I guess we'll just jump right into this.  I asked the pastor if I could be the one to lay this out for you.  We've been through a lot, you and I, and I thought it was only fair that I be the one to, um, do this. Will, there's been a lot of … [Read more...] about Could You Do It?

Bill Gernenz blogs at Broken and Undone.  Principle #3: Faithful Biblical Application Builds Faith The aim of God-centered, exegetically-sound biblical application should ultimately be what Wayne McDill identifies as “a faith response” (12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching, 187-198).  While pastors discuss the many and varied purposes of preaching, “the fundamental objective of preaching remains faith.”  McDill explains: The overarching aim of preaching is to call for faith in the hearer. . . the focus of preaching must be the object of faith, the person of God.  The preacher enhances … [Read more...] about Making Biblical Application – Principle 3 (by Bill Gernenz)